LEWIS & CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM ADMISSION GUIDELINES FOR FALL 2016 1
DENTAL ASSISTING APPLICATION AND ADMISSION CHECKLIST FOR FALL 2016 Please use this as your checklist for APPLICATION AND ADMISSION to the Dental Assisting Program. The following requirements must be submitted and dated before February 1, 2016 to the Dental Programs Division Office. The only exception to this deadline is residency proof. In addition to the following admission requirements, please note that you are required to take the Dental Assisting Pre-Admission Aptitude test. Your score from this test determines your rank in the Dental Assisting Program. Please see additional information regarding this test on page 10 of this packet. Lewis and Clark Community College application for the Dental Assisting Program. (5202J). Follow the steps below: -Log on to the L&C website at www.lc.edu -Click on Applying to L&C (lower left corner of page) -Click on Web Application -Click on Apply to Lewis and Clark On second page of this application, in the drop down menu to select a program, click on selective programs, then choose dental assisting. Official high school transcript and / or official GED report showing successful completion with graduation date and class rank. Final official transcripts from any previously attended college or university. Applicants with foreign transcripts will need to have their transcripts evaluated by the Commission on Graduate of Foreign Nursing Schools. Contact the Health Science Department, 618-468-4403 for an Application Form For Credential Evaluation and a fee schedule. Current class schedule, if presently a college student, showing courses in which you are now enrolled. Score earned on Dental Assisting Pre-admission Aptitude Test. If you find it necessary to repeat this test in an attempt to attain a higher score, you are eligible to retake the test the following year. You must have taken the test in order to be considered for admission. Candidate ranking for acceptance to the class is based on the pre-entrance exam score. Proof of ranking in the upper half of your high school graduating class, OR submit proof of earning a minimum of six semester hours with a grade of C or better from among the following courses prior to the start of the fall semester of the year in which you would like to be considered for admission: SPCH 145, PSYC 131, BIOL 130/131/132, or ENGL 131. (SPCH 145 AND PSYC 131 are graduation requirements NOT admission requirements) Qualify for ENGL 131 by LCCC College Placement Test scores in English and Reading. If necessary, appropriate prerequisite courses must be taken prior to program enrollment. One year of high school general biology, or one college semester of general biology (BIOL 130/131/132), with a C or better. Those who have not yet met this requirement are strongly encouraged to enroll in BIOL 132. Be 18 years of age at time of completing the program. (Legal age for x-ray manipulation) Prove residency in Lewis and Clark Community College District 536 within 30 days prior to the beginning of classes. Outof-district residents will be eligible only if space is available after the dental assisting class has been selected from indistrict residents. LCCC has entered into a cooperative agreement with Southwestern Illinois College, East St. Louis Community College Center, Lincoln Land Community College, Illinois Eastern Community College, and John Wood Community College which allows Southwestern Illinois College District No. 522 students, East St. Louis Community College Center students, Lincoln Land Community College District No. 526 students, Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 students, and John Wood Community College District No. 539 students to enroll in this program as indistrict students, regarding tuition, fees, and all college services. Acceptable proof of residency ONLY INCLUDES: Illinois driver s license showing in-district residency Voters registration card showing in-district residency Utility bill showing in-district residency, - or- Rent receipt showing in-district residency Refer to L&C college catalog for residency requirements. Provide proof of medical insurance coverage (due on or before July 1 st ) To make an appointment with an academic advisor to review your records and determine which prerequisites are met and what you need to do to meet any deficiencies, call (618) 468-2222 or the dental assisting coordinator at (618) 468-4411. 2
Upon acceptance to the program, students will be given additional information at an orientation with regard to medical and dental examinations, required medical insurance, residency verification and CPR requirements as well as uniform and schedule information, etc. Chrissea Hallstead, CDA, RDH, MA Lewis and Clark Community College Coordinator 5800 Godfrey Road 618-468-4411 Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs Godfrey, IL 62035 IL 800-642-1794 x 4411 challste@lc.edu Fax 618-468-2394 It is the student s responsibility to make sure that the Dental Assisting Program Coordinator receives all admission requirements by February 1st of the year making application. Lewis and Clark Community College is committed to the most fundamental principles of human dignity, equality of opportunity, and academic freedom. This commitment requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from discrimination or harassment in all its forms. Lewis and Clark Community College is committed to equal educational and employment opportunity and to affirmative action. Programs services, and employment opportunities are administered by Lewis and Clark Community College without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, creed or religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, and other protected categories. The College abides by affirmative action principles, makes reasonable efforts to accommodate qualified individuals with special needs, and complies with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. These include but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1960; (d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and (e) the Illinois Human Rights Act. Complaints of discrimination prohibited by College policy are to be resolved within the existing College procedures. For additional information or assistance on the equal opportunity, affirmative action and harassment policies and procedures of Lewis and Clark Community College, please contact: Gary Ayres, Vice President of Administration and Community Services. (Title IX, ADA and 504 Coordinator), Erickson Hall, Room 103, Lewis and Clark Community College, Godfrey, IL 62035*618-468-3000. It is the policy of the college that sexual harassment of employees or students on campus is unacceptable and shall not be tolerated. Any employee or student of the college who feels that he/she has been a victim of a sexual harassment should notify the college s Personnel Office and the complaint will be investigated. 3
LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE Dental Assisting Program Goals and Philosophy The goals of the Dental Assisting Program are to: a. prepare qualified dental assistants in an educational program with a mission supported by the dental community. b. provide the student with the working skills in chairside specialty, infection control, dental laboratory, radiographic, and business office procedures. c. provide the student the opportunity to investigate their potential and abilities, and apply them to the areas of service within the profession. d. graduate students with the ability to demonstrate professional, ethical conduct as a dental auxiliary and member of the dental health community. e. graduate students who can make a contribution to their profession and community. f. secure employment as a dental assistant or complete the second phase of multi-skilling by progressing into the LCCC Dental Hygiene Program. g. graduate students qualified to challenge the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Examination. h. graduate students enabling them to pursue lifelong professional growth and development through participation in professional organizations and continuing education. Lewis and Clark Community College believes in the dignity and worth of each individual and offers programs such as development of the individual The profession of Dental Assisting is service-oriented, rendering dental health care, with other members of the dental health team, to the public. A common effort is made to aid in the prevention of dental disease as well as to restore and maintain dental health. Dental Assisting education is designed to promote purposeful learning directed through the maximum realization of self-potential through the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes. The Dental Assisting faculty are dedicated to the responsibility of facilitating the students intellectual emotional and skill development through a wellstructured, sequential, practical course curriculum. The student will attain basic knowledge of the principles and concepts of Dental Assisting. They will be capable of performing the duties required for Dental Assisting. The student may choose to exercise his/her knowledge and skill in the many areas of service necessitating educated and appropriately trained dental assistants. 4
Dental Assisting Significant Points Population growth and greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people will fuel demand for dental services. Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks so that they may devote their own time to more profitable procedures. Infection control is a crucial responsibility of dental assistants. Maintaining proper infection control practices protects patients and members of the dental health team. Education Formal education for Dental Assistants is encouraged. Without further education, advancement opportunities are limited. Some Dental Assistants become office managers, dental assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives. For many, this entry-level occupation provides basic training and experience and serves as a steppingstone to more highly skilled and higher paying jobs. Licensure Most states regulate the duties that dental assistants are allowed to perform. Some states require licensure or registration, which may include passing a written or practical examination. There are a variety of schools offering courses approximately 10 to 12 months in length that meet their state s requirements. Other states require dental assistants to complete State-approved education courses of 4 to 12 hours in length. Some states require continuing education to maintain licensure or registration. A few states allow dental assistants to perform any function delegated to them by the dentist. Individual states have adopted different standards for dental assistants who perform certain advanced duties. In some states, for example, dental assistants who perform radiological procedures must complete additional training. Completion of the Radiation Health and Safety examination offered by Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) meets the standards in more than 30 states. Some states require completion of a State-approved course in radiology as well. Certification and other qualifications. Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and is recognized or required in more than 30 states. Certification is an acknowledgment of an assistant s qualifications and professional competence and may be an asset when one is seeking employment. Candidates may qualify to take the DANB certification examination by graduating from an ADAaccredited dental assisting education program or by having 2 years of full-time, or 4 years of part-time, experience as a dental assistant. In addition, applicants must have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For annual recertification, individuals must earn continuing education credits. 5
Dental assistants must be a second pair of hands for a dentist; therefore, dentists look for people who are reliable, work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. Career Advantages Variety: Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks. Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career options include both full-time and part-time positions. Excellent working conditions: Dental offices are interesting, pleasant, peopleoriented environments in which to work. Personal satisfaction: Dental assisting involves people contact, and with this personal interaction comes the personal satisfaction of knowing you ve really helped someone by helping to provide a valuable health service. Opportunities Since many dentists employ two or more dental assistants, employment opportunities in this field are excellent. The types of practice settings available to dental assistants include: Solo dental practices (practices with only one dentist) Group practices (practices with two or more dentists) Specialty practices, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery (removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities), orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (straightening teeth with braces or other appliances), endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics (treatment of gum problems), prosthodontics (replacement of lost teeth) and pediatric dentistry (treatment of children) Public health dentistry, including settings such as schools and clinics which focus on the prevention of dental problems within entire communities Hospital dental clinics, assisting dentists in the treatment of bedridden patients Dental school clinics, assisting dental students as the learn to perform dental procedures Other Career Opportunities Insurance companies, processing dental insurance claims Vocational schools, technical institutes, community college dental schools and universities, teaching others to be dental assistants (which may require associate or baccalaureate college degrees) Dental product sales representatives 6
Job Outlook Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 25 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will likely continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. Dentists will continue to hire more dental assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing the dentist to see more patients in their practice and to spend their time on more complex procedures. As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Dental Assistants http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentalassistants.htm Economics According to the most recent salary survey from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), DANB CDAs earn a median salary of $18.60 an hour, $2.01 more per hour than non-certified dental assistants. According to the same DANB survey, 85 percent of CDAs receive paid vacation benefits; 57 percent receive major medical insurance; 61 percent receive a 401(k) or pension plan; 53 percent receive free dental care; 61 percent receive paid sick leave; and a whopping 82 percent receive paid holidays. Whether you receive benefits may depend on full-time status and practice setting. Dental Assisting National Board (http://www.danb.org/home/the%20dental%20community/dental%20assistants/sa lary%20and%20benefits) According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of dental assistants were $16.59 in May 2012. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Dental Assistants http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentalassistants.htm 7
DENTAL ASSISTING CURRICULUM FALL SEMESTER PREFIX COURSE # TITLE CREDIT HOURS DENT 144 DENTAL MATERIALS 3.5 DENT 131 DENTAL BIOLOGY 4 DENT 134 PRECLINICAL ORIENTATION 2 DENT 136 OROFACIAL ANATOMY 3 DENT 153 OPERATIVE PROCEDURES 3 DENT 150 DENTAL RADIOLOGY 3 TOTAL 18.5 SPRING SEMESTER PREFIX COURSE # TITLE CREDIT HOURS DENT 148 DENTAL SPECIALTIES 2 DENT 132 PATHOLOGY I 2 DENT 154 CLINICAL PRACTICE 3 DENT 152 PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY 2 DENT 137 ORAL HISTOLOGY & 2 EMBRYOLOGY DENT 143 DENTAL OFFICE 2.5 MANAGEMENT +SPCH 145 PRIVATE AND PUBLIC 3 COMMUNICATIONS +PSYC 131 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 TOTAL 19.5 See LCCC CATALOG for course descriptions +It is highly encouraged that these general education courses be completed prior to the start of the program. *The Dental Assisting Program at Lewis and Clark Community College is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 8
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM FALL SEMESTER COST CATEGORY ESTIMATED COST Current tuition, subject to change @ $108 per credit hour - 18.5 $1,998.00 Current activity fee, subject to change @ $14 per credit hour $ 259.00 Current technology fee, subject to change @ $4 per credit hour $ 74.00 Current Ecological Green fee, subject to change @$2 per credit hour $ 37.00 Lab fees $ 510.00 Textbooks, and manuals $ 825.00 Graduation fee $ 35.00 DENT 136, DENT 144, DENT 153 & DENT 150 Lab Supplies Gloves (4 boxes) $ 45.00 Uniform (2 sets) and clinic shoes $ 300.00 Additional supplies (face masks, safety glasses, decontamination $ 525.00 gloves, Niosh dust masks (N95), chamois, clip board, compass, anatomical model, etc.) TOTAL ESTIMATED COST for 1 st Semester $4,608.00 SPRING SEMESTER Current tuition subject to change@ $108 per credit hour - 19.5 hours $2,106.00 Activity fee @ $14 per credit hour $ 273.00 Technology fee @ $4 per credit hour $ 78.00 Current Ecological Green fee, subject to change @$2 per credit hour $ 39.00 Lab fees $ 310.00 Textbooks $ 450.00 Textbooks for SPCH 145 & PSYC 131 $ 200.00 Fee for DANB - CDA Exam $ 375.00 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST for 2 nd Semester $3,831.00 ESTIMATED GRAND TOTAL $8,439.00 All fees are subject to change. Additional costs will include: medical & dental exams, medical insurance and costs incurred in the event of an occupational exposure incident, immunizations, CPR, charting pencils, transportation to clinical sites, parking fee, drug screening, certified background check, etc. All costs are estimated and subject to change. 9
DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM Pre-Entrance Exam Test Dates PSB-Health Occupations Aptitude Examination $30.00 Charge, Payable Day of Test Testing Dates: You may register any time beginning December 14, 2015. Registration deadline is December 18, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.. The test is by appointment only--please call the Assessment Center at 618-468-5240 during regularly scheduled school days. A photo ID will be required in order to test. This test is computerized. Testing will begin promptly at the scheduled time. No one will be admitted after testing begins. January 6, 2016 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM Wednesday HK B25 January 7, 2016 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM Thursday HK B25 January 8, 2016 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM Friday HK B25 January 9, 2016 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday HK B25 A testing room will be assigned to the student at time of registration. You are allowed to take the pre-entrance test one time during the Spring semester. You cannot retake the test until Spring, 2017. NOTE: These testing dates are for students who wish to be considered for admission in August (Fall semester) of 2016 or later. NO EXCEPTIONS TO TESTING DATES Study Guides. Applicants ask about how to prepare for the Pre-entrance Exam, and we have been told by former students that the following are helpful guides: 1. Read the following PSB information and take the sample test. 2. Purchase and study from the PSB Study Guide for the Health Occupation Aptitude Exam. (available online) 3. Study from any GED study guide, especially the following sections: Academic Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Natural Science, and Spelling. 10
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